Mold puts EWC in bind

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Mold puts EWC in bind

BY TIM MCFARLAND

Torrington,WY

8-19-05

The discovery of black mold in Eastern Wyoming College's apartment

building forced the college's board of trustees to call a special

meeting Thursday night to discuss its options on dealing with the

problem.

The building has been evacuated to prevent inhalation of the toxic

substance, and other preventative safety precautions have been

taken. According to college President Dr. Jack Bottenfield,

arrangements have been made to house the residents of the apartments

in the co-ed dormitories, making the occupancy five to a room

instead of the standard four. However, the state fire marshall still

must approve these temporary living arrangements.

Ed Kroenlein, EWC's physical plant director, said there are several

leaks in the building's roof and windows, and there are cracks that

allow water to come in, causing the mold to appear. The mold became

noticeable after the recent rains in Torrington.

Kroenlein said the building was built in 1975.

According to Bottenfield, the school has two options to solve the

mold problem:

The Wyoming Community College Commission has a contingency reserve

fund, which is reserved for the seven community colleges to use for

emergency use and for routine maintenance. This $2 million dollar

could be requested if the mold can be removed and the building

repaired.

If the building is beyond repair, a new apartment building would be

considered or additional rooms could be added to the proposed new

dormitory. This new dormitory is part of the college's major gifts

campaign. For this option, EWC would ask for $9 million of capital

funding and revenue bonds from the Wyoming legislature, for 100

percent of the cost.

Dean of Students Marilyn Cotant expressed her concern about student

housing to the board.

" People are coming in and are buying houses and fixing them up for

student living, " Cotant said. " Their rental costs will be sky-high,

which would in turn drive students away from Eastern. The on-campus

housing is needed, and it's needed now. "

Bottenfield and Ron Laher, dean of administration, will be going to

Casper to attend the Wyoming Community College Commission meeting

and will fight for the needed funds.

" Let's go all out – go 100 percent – anything and everything we can

get, " board chairman Dale Wickham said. " I'm tired of picking up the

paper and seeing UW got this, UW got that. They asked for this,

because they would probably get it. It's time we get on our high

heels, and go for it. "

According to information found on various web sites, black mold can

cause respiratory and other health problems.

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